"From my experience, I gained an understanding of my responsibility to serve because I can, because I have been blessed to have the resources to turn away from my and my family's immediate needs and look outward. I never expected to gain such a pressing understanding of my need to serve. I never expected to meet people who were so much "better" than I am, who had so much to teach me of compassion, of self sacrifice and of hope. I feel that I was literally healed by the people of El Salvador as they changed my perspective and expectations." -Natalie Brown, El Salvador 2007 |
"I loved every single activity and all of the service we gave! Even when I was not particularly knowlegable in a certain area, it was great to learn more and help everyone else on their projects. I discovered talents and interests that I had no idea I had before. Every single moment was so great. I loved it!"
-Jessica Reeves, Uganda 2007 |
| Staff |
Page 1 of 2 Mike Riding, Executive DirectorMike Riding is the executive director of HELP International. Previous to his appointment, Riding was the executive director of AYS, an organization dedicated to sending teenage volunteers overseas to work on humanitarian projects. In December, Riding will graduate with his master's degree in English, emphasizing in American literature and professional communication. Riding is married to Sarah Rhodes and they have three boys. Riding's true passion lies in helping others around the world improve their lives.
Matthew Colling, Program DirectorMatthew graduated with an M.S. degree in sociology and development from Brigham Young University. He teaches Multicultural America at an undergraduate level. Actively invovled with a variety of nonprofits, Matthew is the director of development and a board member for Sowers of Hope, a non-profit that runs a school in the Eastern war torn region of the DR Congo. He has also worked with non-profits in Europe that help victims of human trafficking. In Guyana, he worked for the Madray Motoo Foundation, installing donated computers in schools throughout the poorer regions of the country. As a consultant in Ghana, Matthew conducted a Social Impact Assessment for Empower Playgrounds, Inc and helped Biological Filters and Composting Inc. improve their marketing strategy and secure funding for product development. He has worked closely with BYU's annual Hunger banquet which raised over $15,000 in 2009. Currently, Matthew is setting up a non-profit called SainTerre in Mali which aims to improve sanitation conditions.
McCall Ashby, Recruiting SpecialistA native of Spanish Fork, Utah, McCall graduated from Utah State University with a degree in speech communications. While a student completed an HR internship with Convergys. McCall first got involved in traveling and serving through Alternative Springbreaks, she went to Lousiana to help with the reconstruction effort after Hurricane Katrina. She then became a director on the core counsel in the Val R Christensen Service Center at Utah State. McCall served an LDS mission in the Phillipines for 18 months.
Mike Duthrie, Finance DirectorMike Duthrie, the finance director for HELP International is completing his final year in the masters of accounting program at Brigham Young University. Duthrie's work experience includes running all the business function of Hansen Mountaineering, which he did for a year. In addition, Duthrie completed a public accounting internship with McGladrey and Pullen From Montana, Duthrie has a natural enthusiasm for all things outdoors, including running, hiking, and rock climbing. |